Q. I am rather new to this area, and as I have always worked for big corporations, I am very new to small business. I presently work at a business I would like to own. The owner has offered to sell me the franchise. I am very intrigued by the possibility of owning this business, but have zero experience from which to draw. I am 50 years old, in good health, willing to work hard and have very good credit (but no cash). My husband is very supportive of this idea and will be a very large presence in running this franchise. However, he is still years from retirement and generally puts 40 to 50 hours into his job weekly. Could you possibly direct me to the type of advisor that would be the most helpful? I don't know how viable an option this would be, and while I don't want to pass up an opportunity to increase our retirement nest egg, I don't want to jump into something that could become an albatross. I appreciate your time and input on this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you. ...more

December 23, 2009

"I don't believe it's too late to change course, but it will be if we don't take dramatic action as soon as possible. If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years." ...more

January 12, 2009

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, is a date that will live in fame (the opposite of infamy) forever. If the election of our first African-American president didn't stir you, if it didn't leave you teary-eyed and proud of your country, there's something wrong with you. ...more

November 9, 2008